Evaluating probabilistic programming languages for simulating quantum correlations

PLoS One. 2019 Jan 4;14(1):e0208555. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208555. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

This article explores how probabilistic programming can be used to simulate quantum correlations in an EPR experimental setting. Probabilistic programs are based on standard probability which cannot produce quantum correlations. In order to address this limitation, a hypergraph formalism was programmed which both expresses the measurement contexts of the EPR experimental design as well as associated constraints. Four contemporary open source probabilistic programming frameworks were used to simulate an EPR experiment in order to shed light on their relative effectiveness from both qualitative and quantitative dimensions. We found that all four probabilistic languages successfully simulated quantum correlations. Detailed analysis revealed that no language was clearly superior across all dimensions, however, the comparison does highlight aspects that can be considered when using probabilistic programs to simulate experiments in quantum physics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computer Simulation*
  • Probability*
  • Programming Languages*
  • Quantum Theory*
  • Time Factors

Grants and funding

This research was supported by the Asian Office of Aerospace Research and Development (AOARD) grant: FA2386-17-1-4016. This research was supported by Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics. Research at Perimeter Institute is supported by the Government of Canada through Industry Canada and by the Province of Ontario through the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.